One reason tennis player Aileen Tsan wanted to come to California over anywhere else in the United States was because her friends from her native country, Malaysia, told her California had the best weather in the States. When Tsan arrived in California, she said it was not quite what she expected.

“I love it here, except for the weather. It’s freezing, and everyone is wearing T-shirts. It’s always cold here,” Tsan said.

Tsan started playing tennis when she was 11 years old. Tsan’s uncle played for the Malaysia national team, and when she was young, he taught her all the basics of the game.

She moved to the United States six months ago.

In Malaysia it is really hot and humid all year around and rarely ever rains. The average annual temperature is 85 degrees compared to Sacramento’s 60.8 degrees , according to weathercentre.com.

Tsan said Sacramento is always cold and dry, and when she gets up in the morning for school, it is always freezing cold outside.

Tsan grew up on Vorneo, an isolated island away from any really big cities. The island is filled with lots of trees and greenery. Tsan said she likes Sacramento because it is filled with trees and is not a big city like Los Angeles.

“I chose to come to Sacramento State because of the former coach Bill Campbell and because Sacramento reminded me of home,” Tsan said.

Tsan is taking 15 units this semester, and is a biological science major. She studies in conservation and clinical laboratory science. She said this is what she would like to do in the future after she graduates from Sacramento State.

“It’s really tiring having so much to do, and it is never-ending, it feels like. I try to get as much done at night as I can, but sometimes I have night classes, so that’s even difficult. I stay up late almost every night doing homework,” Tsan said.

Tsan said it is really important to balance her time with tennis and school.

“I try not to fall behind because it is difficult to catch up,” Tsan said.

During road trips for the Hornets, like recently playing two of their last thirteen games at home, Tsan said it is very hard to study because you’re with all the girls from the team and there isn’t enough time.

“Even though it is a lot of work, it is good for me because it keeps me focused,” Tsan said.

Director of Tennis Bill Campbell said Tsan is a great student and is always on time to practice.

“Aileen was the most prepared recruit that I have ever had,” Campbell said.

Tsan sent Campbell a highlight film of all her best tennis matches when she was younger, and Campbell said he knew she was the right fit for the team immediately.

“Her resume was awesome. The video was well thought out and well done. She is a great addition to the team and we love having her around,” Campbell said.

Teammate Joyce Martinez Gutierrez had nothing but good things to say about Tsan. Martinez Gutierrez said Tsan’s forehand is really good, she has good technique and is a very good overall player.

“Tsan is good hearted, dedicated, nice hard-worker and has all the right qualities,” Martinez Gutierrez said.

Aileen Tsan is one of three newcomers for the Sac State women’s tennis team. Tsan plays in the No. 3 slot for the Hornets and has a record of 5-7 so far this year. In doubles matches Tsan and Anastassia Lyssenko have the best record on the team with 11-1.

“I prefer doubles over singles, but I am trying to improve my singles game to get to the next level,” Tsan said. Sean Wolf can be reached at [email protected]